School Lunches to be Free of Unhealthy Additives

Enjoy Cheetos, Doritos and other junk food while they’re still in stock.

In an effort to reduce potential causes of poor health among its students, the Montgomery County Public School system has decided to reject cafeteria food from suppliers if it contains certain chemical additives.

As the school system signs new contracts with food vendors, it will now mandate that their food selection be free of certain food dyes, aspartame, and certain other additives, the Director of Food and Nutrition Services for the school system Marla Caplon told the Gazette.

The restrictions will remove many unhealthy snacks and crackers---like Cheetos, Doritos, and Welch’s Fruit Snacks--from the lunchroom. It also means that popular cafeteria lunches like the spicy chicken breast patties will be cut from the menu.

Real Foods for Kids--Montgomery has been a vocal advocate for this change. This same nonprofit organization played key role in removing strawberry milk from Montgomery Schools and locking junk food vending machines until 30 minutes after the school day has ended.

While the restriction is in immediate effect, purging the cafeteria of all foods that contain these chemical additives is a gradual process, as current food vendor contracts will not be modified.

“In some instances the rebidding won’t take place for years,” school spokesman Dana Tofig said in an email to Bethesda Magazine, “although we are always working with our current manufacturers to improve the quality and nutritional value of what we serve our students. We took this action based on best practices and input from parents and experts.”

Patch file photo

Have a news tip? Email deb.belt@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions. Curious about how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.